Andy M.
Legend
LegendWaveland Park
Quiet spot for labor day weekend.
Great help from the gate keeper. Showed us a nice spot in the back away from everyone else. Probably because of the steep road to back down. But worth it. Wonderful spot.
Camping near Clarksville, AR
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Ozark region surrounding Clarksville, Arkansas encompasses several campgrounds with varying levels of development and amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts can find accommodations ranging from primitive sites to fully-equipped RV parks along Lake Dardanelle and nearby waterways. Piney Bay offers waterfront camping with electric hookups and boat access, while Mount Nebo State Park provides year-round camping options including tent sites, RV spots, and yurt rentals. Cane Creek Recreation Area represents one of the few dispersed camping options in the vicinity, situated approximately 20 miles from Clarksville's town center.
Most campgrounds in the Clarksville area operate year-round, though amenities and accessibility may change seasonally. Corps of Engineers sites like Spadra Park Campground and Piney Bay maintain paved, level sites with varying hookup availability. "The campground is absolutely beautiful. As I'm writing this review, I've never seen so many fish jumping in the water," noted one visitor about Spadra Park. Water levels at Lake Dardanelle fluctuate throughout the year, potentially affecting shoreline access at certain campsites. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing conditions. Cell service varies significantly between developed campgrounds and more remote areas.
Waterfront camping constitutes the primary draw for many visitors to the Clarksville region. Several campgrounds provide direct access to Lake Dardanelle, the Arkansas River, or smaller tributaries. Piney Bay receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious waterfront sites and clean facilities. A camper described it as "a great little Corp park right off the Arkansas River. Sites are mostly level with water and electricity." At Cane Creek Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the solitude but should note the lack of maintained facilities. Spadra Park Campground offers riverfront camping but campers should be aware of nearby train tracks that produce occasional noise. Mount Magazine State Park, located about 30 miles south of Clarksville, provides higher elevation camping with panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley.
Best Campgrounds near Clarksville (175)
1. Piney Bay
"General: Two things you can count on in a Corps of Engineers campground: very reasonable rates and near water. This is a fairly large Corps of Engineers campground on Piney Bay."
"A great little Corp park right off the Arkansas River. Sites are mostly level with water and electricity. Dump station in park. Nice clean bath houses."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability2. Cane Creek Recreation Area
"This is an abandoned former campsite in a beautiful location."
"There is a boat ramp, fishing, you can pull an RV in here right next to your camp spot. There are fire rings and hiking trails. Off leash for dogs that are voice command and friendly."
3. Mount Magazine State Park Campground
"The picnic table had a few steps up to it. This site is at the entrance, we might have preferred something at the back. Everyone coming in or out drove by our spot."
"There is an unofficial overflow campground with a well kept pit toilet that offers the best view from the campgrounds over the Arkansas valley."
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. Spadra Park Campground
"This is a tiny COE Campground just outside Clarksville, AR. You need to read the entire description of YOUR site before you book!"
"There's a nice playground and pavilion located by the bathhouse. The bathrooms are very nice. There are 6 unisex bath and shower rooms. The privacy was very welcomed."
from $22 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Haw Creek Falls Camping
"campers in the area but during the day LOTS of people coming to swim ( and leaving trash 🤮 ) The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas"
"Lovely area but you can hear the vehicles that drive by on the highway plenty of hiking nearby"
6. Mount Nebo State Park Campground
"Reservable sites are nearly on top of each other. Might be good if you have kids with you. There is a playground adjacent and a pool/bathhouse close by."
"A great Arkansas destination for outdoorsy people.The steep road climbing to the top of Mount Nebo keeps the big RVs away. Stop your car at the lookout point before you reach the top."
7. Aux Arc
"Boat launch and lovely views of the Arkansas river. Close to restaurants and shopping ."
"We used it as a base camp to visit several Arkansas state parks such as Devil’s Den and Lake Fort Smith. The camp was clean, a little crowded, but very nice and relaxed."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park
"The State Park systems in the US are some of our favorite places to find beautiful camping spots, but Lake Dardanelle State Park in Arkansas tops most of them all."
"Pretty campground on the lake. You can see Mount Nebo in the distance. Not much in the way of hiking trails. They have a short loop trail near the visitor center that is good for small children."
9. Long Pool Recreation Area
"You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them."
"Access to the creek is nice and plenty of space even on busy days. No cell service which was nice to get disconnected."
10. Shoal Bay
"Great Corp of Engineers Park tucked in the trees south of Lake Dardanelle. Paved level sites with water and electricity and clean bathrooms. Nice fishing available."
"We found some really great hiking close by."
from $22 - $75 / night
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Drive Time
- 46 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 11 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 19 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 53 min from Hot Springs, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Clarksville, AR
289 Photos of 175 Clarksville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Clarksville, AR
947 Reviews of 175 Clarksville Campgrounds
- Melinda E.
TravelerPetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Phenomenal Vacation!
We stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
Jenny
RangerLake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Site 16 - little piece of paradise
Very nice park - clean and quiet. We did the kayak tour this morning which was nice. There’s also a kayak rental Kiosk down by the boat ramp through Whenever Watersports (download the app). There’s trails and also a pool. Pool closed down Aug 9, 2026 since lifeguards had to go back to school. Not having a pool was the only bummer this trip cause temps are still close to 100.
- SSherri B.
GuidePetit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas's first state park
Well maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
- LLesley W.Traveler
Dardanelle Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park
Nice quiet stay
Nice quiet place right on the lake sites are a little unlevel but not bad no sewer but there’s a dump station just like they said not much signal for AT&T
- JennyRanger
pathfinder rv resort
New, clean RV park
New park with young trees (so not much shade yet), pond for fishing and a walking trail around it. Large clubhouse is where the bathhouses are with four individual bathrooms with showers, laundry facility, propane for sale and a nice pool.
- JennyRanger
Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground
Beautiful and peaceful
Clean state park. We enjoyed the trails, kayak rental at the marina. Other amenities include nice bathhouses and a pool.
Kimberly P.GuideHaw Creek Falls Camping
Really popular spot
We spent one night here. It was a little bit of trouble to get to, as I'm not a fan of driving in the mountains. It had a nice fire ring and a picnic table. There are 2 vault toilets here, not the worst we've seen. They did have toilet paper. Super cute but very shallow swimming hole, maybe 3 ft deep? Very popular too. Seemed every site was full when we pulled through to check it out, so we picked the only open spot, #1. But when we left at 10 am, only one other campsite was occupied so I think they were just daytime guests. We walked downstream a lot looking at small fish in the little pools and we "swam" in the swimming hole, it was nice bc it was hot. Beautiful scenery. No service for my phone.
- JJessie H.Traveler
Wolf Pen Recreation Area Campground
It Was Ok
Very flea infested when we went. Water was really low and kinda hot. But the camp ground was pretty and well maintained.
Guide to Clarksville
Camping options near Clarksville, Arkansas range from remote, primitive sites to developed campgrounds with full amenities. The region sits at the transition between the Ozark Highlands and Arkansas River Valley, with elevations varying from 400 to 2,750 feet. Summer nights typically cool to the mid-70s even when daytime temperatures exceed 90°F, making evening campfires comfortable at higher elevations but potentially uncomfortable at lower river sites.
What to do
Fishing access points: Lake Dardanelle offers multiple fishing locations from Russellville Campground — Lake Dardanelle State Park shorelines. "We enjoyed our stay. We was in the area for a ballon festival. Kids enjoyed the stay," notes Lona T., who camped at Lake Dardanelle. Boat ramps provide direct lake access at most campsites.
Waterfall exploration: The Haw Creek Falls Camping area, located about 45 minutes from Clarksville, features accessible waterfalls and swimming holes. "The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas," reports layla B., though she warns visitors should be prepared for "Lots of snakes."
Trail hiking: Multiple trail systems connect campgrounds to higher elevations. At Cove Lake Complex, one camper described, "We use it as a base to hike up to Mount Magazine as the trail crosses the road and heads up to the top of Mount Magazine state park. The trail is out of the ordinary for the region and takes you have some washouts and up the mountain. If it has been raining, beware and check your weather."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront spots: At Piney Bay, campers appreciate the quieter setting away from busy areas. "Visited Piney Bay in early July and loved the location. Had hummingbirds at the site, well cleaned restrooms(easy access from site B25). Check in and out was easy and convenient. Was quiet with plenty of shade available," noted one reviewer who particularly valued the privacy.
High-elevation camping: Mount Magazine State Park Campground sits at Arkansas's highest point, providing cooler temperatures. "The experience begins with the climb: the road winds up and around the bends and crooks of the mountain. The entrance and welcome center is grand and very accepting of anything from small vehicles to large diesel pushers," reports one visitor, highlighting the cooler climate advantage compared to lower-elevation sites.
Free dispersed options: Cane Creek Recreation Area offers no-cost camping without facilities. "Excellent free campground if you are self contained. No water/electric or toilet. Secluded and safe. The sheriff drove through several times in the two days I was there. There are picnic tables, fire pits and a boat ramp," explains Ed O., noting the tradeoff between amenities and cost.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Campground restroom quality ranges from excellent to non-existent. At Mount Nebo State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Restrooms are clean and stocked. The pool showerhouse has but one shower a piece for men and women." However, at Cane Creek Recreation Area, several reviewers warned about bathroom conditions: "Do not. I repeat DO NOT think you can use the pit toilets here. Be self contained and you'll be fine."
Wildlife encounters: Snake sightings are common at lower elevations near water. A camper at Haw Creek Falls reported, "Lots of snakes and saw a feral cat but so pretty," highlighting that wildlife is part of the experience in this region. Park staff at Mount Magazine inform visitors of "numerous venomous reptilian" in the area.
Road conditions limit access: Steep, winding roads restrict what vehicles can access certain campgrounds. One visitor to Mount Nebo explained, "At the base of the climb, signs posted numerous times, 'Crooked and Steep, no trailers over 24 ft'. I have driven up a lot of steep and twisty mountain roads, and these warnings are to be heeded. Grades are up to 18%."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Long Pool Recreation Area offers natural swimming spots popular with families. "The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of," notes 2SHOE S., adding that "Pets are not permitted around or in the water."
Playground facilities: Lake Dardanelle State Park features play areas for children. One camper mentioned, "This was a beautiful park with lots to do, especially for kids. The information center was large and the employees were very friendly." However, they cautioned about "a lot of unattended children and some of them made a mess in one of the bathrooms."
Educational opportunities: Visitor centers with displays can provide indoor activities during bad weather. "Great welcome center with aquarium displays that are quite informative," noted a visitor to Lake Dardanelle State Park, providing an option for families to mix outdoor adventures with educational content.
RV tips
Site dimensions matter: Many campgrounds advertise RV compatibility but have limitations. At Piney Bay, Emily R. warned, "Roads are narrow as are spots. The spots also say they're 'big/long enough' for a 42' rig but in reality it's super tight. Our spot was blocked by two spaces in front of us by parked trucks with boats."
Water access varies: Water quality and availability differ between campgrounds. At Long Pool Recreation Area, one reviewer cautioned, "Water wasn't potable and it was quite brown so we just use it to wash dishes etc, but nothing else. Bring plenty of groceries and other needs since all stores are 45'/60' away!"
Power hookup placement: Electrical hookups are sometimes positioned inconveniently. A camper at Lake Dardanelle reported, "The electric and water hookups in 'D' area are in strange locations at each site," requiring longer cords or hoses than might be expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clarksville, AR?
What camping is available near Clarksville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clarksville, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarksville, AR and 39 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clarksville, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Clarksville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarksville, AR is Piney Bay with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarksville, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarksville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Clarksville, AR.
What parks are near Clarksville, AR?
What parks are near Clarksville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Clarksville, AR that allow camping, notably Lake Dardanelle and Ozark Lake.
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